Michelin Guide 2026 in Monaco: Les Morainières Earns Third Star as France’s Culinary Excellence Shines

The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco hosted yesterday the official ceremony of the Michelin Guide France 2026, celebrating French culinary excellence and the country’s starred restaurants. Around 350 guests attended the event, including Prince Albert II, highlighting France’s finest gastronomy on an international stage.

Les Morainières: The Only Three-Star Michelin Restaurant in 2026

Among the highlights of the 2026 edition is Les Morainières, located in Jongieux, Savoie, which became the only French restaurant awarded a third Michelin star. Opened in 2005 by chef Michaël Arnoult and his wife Ingrid, who manages the dining room, Les Morainières joins the exclusive club of 31 French three-star Michelin restaurants, recognized for its outstanding cuisine on the Savoie slopes.

62 New Michelin-Starred Restaurants in France

In addition to Les Morainières, the 2026 Michelin Guide France awarded 62 new Michelin stars to top French restaurants, honoring both emerging talents and established venues. The edition also included some notable downgrades: Le Suquet voluntarily relinquished its second star, while L’Ambroisie, Paris’ oldest three-star restaurant, lost its third star. Overall, 17 restaurants across France lost their single star this year.

Gala Dinner of France’s Top Chefs

The night before the ceremony featured the traditional gala dinner hosted by Alain Ducasse at the three-star Louis XV restaurant, gathering France’s top chefs. “Our strength lies in fieldwork: Michelin inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and are full-time employees of the Guide, paying their own expenses,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.

France Confirms Its Culinary Leadership

With 654 Michelin-starred restaurants, tied with Japan, France confirms its position as a global leader in fine dining. According to Poullennec, the Michelin Guide will continue to highlight “local roots and reasonably sized entrepreneurial projects, rewarding chefs with authentic culinary personalities.”

The ceremony at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum reinforces the international prestige of French cuisine, celebrating new entries, confirmations, and culinary excellence that make France a world-class gastronomic destination.